A SCHEME aimed at getting Liskeard's unemployed back into work has helped 13 people secure jobs at a new Aldi store in the town.

Of the 15 people who took part in the Smart Savings Retail Scheme, 13 were offered positions and the remaining 2 were given work experience at the budget supermarket.

Stephanie Davies was offered a job after taking part in the project. She said: "I'm so happy about getting a job at Aldi. The course has given us all a great opportunity to gel as a team before we start working."

The scheme was piloted with support from the ESF (European Social Fund) Convergence via employment support organisation Cornwall Works' 50+ scheme.

Following its early success, the course, which is now funded by Jobcentre Plus with investment from the District Manager's Flexible Support Fund, has been rolled out across Devon and Cornwall.

Mark Yeoman, from ESF Convergence, said: "These Liskeard results are great news both for the people and businesses involved.

"ESF Convergence was used to trial and test these courses which from the start had a high success rate, with participants progressing into work and volunteering." Subjects covered by the course included customer service; using a cash register and card machines; health and safety; stock management; visual management; and entrepreneurship, for those interested in setting up their own business.

Garry Toms, who secured a job at the supermarket after taking part in the scheme, said: "The overall experience and support has been fantastic. We're all looking forward to our employment with Aldi and making the new store in Liskeard a real success."

Anyone who would like to find out more about signing up to the course can call Smart Savings on 01209 212579 or send an e-mail to jane@smartsavings.org.uk